Parents always worry about the safety of their children, but you’ll have greater peace of mind if you follow these suggestions.

• Make sure your children memorize their full names, address including city and state, and phone number with area code.
• Using a play phone, teach children when and how to dial 911 or 0 and also show them how to operate a pay phone.
• Explain to your children that they should never accept gifts or rides from people they don’t know well.
• Teach your children to go to a store clerk, security officer or police officer if they ever get lost in a store or mall or on the street.
• Set a good example by locking doors and windows and checking to see who it is before opening a door.
• Listen to what your children say about their fears and help them understand them and trust their instincts.